Victorian Liberals Face Existential Crisis After Swift Leadership Turnover
Melbourne,Australia – The Victorian Liberal party is reeling from its third leadership change in just two weeks,raising questions about its stability and future prospects as it attempts to mount a challenge against the state’s Labor government. Jess Wilson was elected opposition leader on November 18, 2025, replacing Sussan Ley, who had herself recently taken the helm.
The rapid succession of leaders underscores deep divisions within the party, compounded by an aging voter base and concerns over policy direction. While Wilson, at 35, is being lauded for signaling a shift in focus towards issues like housing, Victoria’s public debt, and cost of living, and for promising a more assertive approach against Premier Jacinta Allan, fundamental challenges to the Liberal’s long-term viability remain. These include internal dysfunction, policy disagreements – especially on climate change – and a dwindling membership base increasingly drawn to teal independents and even Labor.
The party’s troubles extend beyond leadership squabbles. Concerns about the health of its administrative structures and membership processes have prompted Ley to commission a extensive review led by Queensland senator James McGrath. The move acknowledges a critical need for reform, reflecting a widely held belief that a party unable to effectively manage itself is ill-equipped to govern. As political analyst Tom McIlroy of The Guardian notes, “It’s often said political parties unable to govern themselves can’t govern anyone else.” The outcome of McGrath’s review and Wilson’s ability to unite a fractured party will be crucial in determining whether the Liberals can rebuild and present a credible alternative to the Allan government.
